Category: News
An intriguing Causeway battle awaits on Thursday night (9 January) as the Lion City Sailors host Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) City in a Matchday Three Group B clash of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
Going up against Group A’s joint-top leaders
KL City pose a serious challenge, given their strong performances in the competition so far. They are one of only two teams, along with group leaders Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC, to maintain a 100% record after the first two matchdays.
Back-to-back 1-0 wins over the Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo and Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda at home have put them in a strong position — second in the five-team table — and they will be looking to continue that momentum against the Sailors.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, KL City Head Coach Miroslav Kuljanac acknowledged the threat that the Sailors pose.
“I’ve analysed the Sailors and the way they play — they don’t change their style much, and I’m sure they’ll approach this game the same way and attack us in the same manner as they usually do,” said the 54-year-old Croatian, who has guided his side to 10 wins and two draws in 22 games across all competitions since taking charge in March 2024.
Some key absentees but a key threat remains
KL City’s bid for a third consecutive win is slightly hampered by the absence of two key players. In an interview with Malaysian television station Astro Arena last week, head coach Kuljanac revealed that experienced midfielder Brendan Gan and Bosnian winger Jovan Motika will miss out due to injury and family commitments, respectively.
Nonetheless, the City Boys can rely on a strong lineup, including Malaysian trio Paulo Josué, Haqimi Azim Rosli, and Declan Lambert, as well as veteran Philippines forward Patrick Reichelt, who returned unscathed from international duty at the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup.
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“It won’t be easy without them (Gan and Motika),” Kuljanac admitted. “When we’re at full strength, I would say we’re a very dangerous team. But even though they’re not with us, we’ll do our best.
“The substitutes are ready to prove themselves, and I hope the players who step in are 100% ready to fight for new points. We have a lot of good players, and we are a well-structured team. Every minute, our players know exactly what they want to do, and so we’ll see how it plays out.”
Josué, in particular, could pose a significant threat to the Sailors, having scored 11 goals in 13 Malaysia Super League (MSL) matches this season, making him the second-highest scorer in the league, behind Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Bérgson da Silva.
“We played two games at home and managed to get six points,” said the Brazil-born Malaysian international, who faced several Sailors during the Tigers’ 0-0 draw with Singapore three weeks ago — a result that saw Malaysia bow out of the ME Cup in the group stages.
“Now it’s time to play away. It’s a different environment, a different pitch, and strong opponents make it very tough for us, but we hope to collect some points here and stay alive in the race to qualify for the semi-finals. When we come here, it’s always just one game — anything can happen. We could beat them here, or they could beat us there. We have tough teams in the group, and that’s great. It’s great to be part of this and to be involved in such a tournament.”
Sailors looking for a first win
For the Sailors, a historic end to 2024 — becoming the first Singaporean team to qualify for the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two — has fuelled their ambitions and strengthened their belief as they look to turn things around in the Shopee Cup.
The seven players who represented Singapore at the ME Cup have returned to training this week after a week’s break, providing the Sailors with a boost in their continental aspirations as they look to represent Singapore with pride in this competition.
After back-to-back away defeats to Borneo and CAHN FC, the Sailors are determined to secure their first win in the competition, and belief within the camp remains strong as they seek a much-needed lift-off.
“The first two matches didn’t go the way we wanted. In the first match, I’d say we were a bit unlucky. But both games were played away, and this is a new competition for us — we’re still settling in. Tomorrow, we play at home, and it’s a great chance to get our first points,” said Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
“It’s our first game after a short break, and we’re going straight up against very good opponents who already have six points in the group, so they’ve proved their quality. But we’ve prepared well. All the players are back from the national team, and apart from one or two who can’t play, there are no major injuries. We’re ready to prove something in this competition.”
As the Sailors prepare for their first home game in this competition, midfielder Rui Pires hopes the fans will turn out in force to support the team.
“When the stadium is full, it helps us a lot,” said Pires, who returns to the squad after serving a one-match ban against CAHN last September. “I hope the fans come tomorrow to support us because their presence is very important.
“As I’ve said before, we need to win these three points because if we don’t, we’ll be out of this competition. We know how crucial this game is, and we’ll do everything to secure the three points.”
As the Singapore national team players in the Sailors squad swapped their blue-and-white kits for the red Lions jerseys for the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup last December, one notable name was absent from the Lions squad — Song Uiyoung.
While the ME Cup was underway, the 31-year-old midfielder returned to South Korea to spend some much-needed time with his family.
Family has always held a special place in Song’s heart, and so this long-overdue trip was especially meaningful to the Incheon native.
“Ever since I came to Singapore, I haven’t had many opportunities to spend time with my family,” said Song, who moved to the Lion City in 2011.
“Going back to Korea this time was a precious experience. I had a great time with my family, especially my mum. I didn’t do much other than spend time with them, but that was more than enough for me.”
After twelve days in his hometown, Song is now back in Singapore and ready to fight for the Sailors as the club navigates challenging waters in 2025.
The Sailors are set to compete on four fronts when club competition resumes this month: the Singapore Premier League (SPL), the Singapore Cup, and challenging regional tournaments such as the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, and the knockout stages of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.
Despite the demanding schedule of games ahead, Song emphasised that it is the players’ responsibility to manage their heavy workload.
“It’s up to us to manage the tight schedule. Although it won’t be easy with all the regional games, we are professionals, so the key is to prepare well and stick together as a team,” explained Song.
“Honestly, we don’t have the biggest squad, so it’s also crucial to take care of our bodies and stay injury-free. That will help us achieve our desired results in the upcoming games.”
The Sailors’ first assignment of the new year is a Matchday Three clash in the ACC Shopee Cup against Malaysia Super League side Kuala Lumpur FC this Thursday (9 January) at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Aleksandar Ranković’s men find themselves bottom of the table after bruising defeats to Indonesia’s Borneo FC and Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC in their opening two games — and are yet to register their first goal in the tournament.
Despite their rough start, Song remains confident that it is not too late for the Sailors to turn their campaign around.
“Everybody knows the past two results weren’t what we wanted, but we’re still confident that we can get the result against KL City,” Song insisted.
“We don’t need to change anything — just prepare the way we always do and believe in ourselves. As long as we give our best, I’m sure we can secure the three points.”
Song has displayed a knack for rising to the occasion on the continental stage. He ended 2024 with five goals and an assist in just four ACL Two games, including a stunning hat-trick against Port FC that helped the Sailors qualify for the tournament’s last 16 for the first time in the club’s history.
Now, the 31-year-old is aiming to carry that excellent form into the new year.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the pitch,” said Song. “I have my routine and prepare for each game seriously. Even after the hat-trick against Port FC in my last game, I made sure not to overreact or become overconfident.
“I’m very clear about the role Coach Ranko wants me to play in this team, and overall, I’m feeling confident and motivated to work hard for the team and the club.”
Song also expressed his gratitude to the Sailors fans for their unwavering support over the past year and believes they will give the team a crucial boost on Thursday.
“I’m always happy to see the fans standing by us and constantly supporting the team at the stadium. We’ll keep working hard for them and aim to get the result we need on Thursday.”
The Lion City Sailors are aiming for another strong performance in the Singapore Cup, which is set to kick off in February.
The Cup holders will face Thai League 1 powerhouse BG Pathum United, Geylang International, Tanjong Pagar United and Balestier Khalsa in Group B, following the tournament’s official draw which was held at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Monday (6 January) morning.
Meanwhile, in Group A, reigning Singapore Premier League champions Albirex Niigata (S) were drawn with Young Lions, Brunei DPMM, BG Tampines Rovers and Hougang United.
The Sailors will open their 2024/25 Singapore Cup campaign against Tanjong Pagar at home on 16 February, before taking on Geylang International away on 2 March.
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Aleksandar Ranković’s men will then host Balestier Khalsa on 16 March, before wrapping up the group stage with a plum tie against BG Pathum at Jalan Besar Stadium on 30 March.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the two-legged semi-finals, which is scheduled to take place on 22 April and 6 May. The grand final is set for Saturday, 31 May, with the fixture marking the conclusion of the 2024/25 domestic football season.
Last season’s Singapore Cup was a memorable one for the Sailors, as they triumphed over Hougang United 3-1 in the final to claim the trophy — their first since the club’s inception in 2020.
Sailors captain Hariss Harun has urged the team to replicate their success and finish the season on the best possible note.
“Last season’s triumph was a significant step forward for the club, and our goal is to defend this title,” said the 34-year-old.
“It won’t be straightforward, with plenty of matches on both the domestic and continental fronts ahead. But we’re ready for the challenge, and we want to give our fans plenty of moments to celebrate by the end of the season.”
(Photo: Unleash the Roar! /Ng Chrong Meng)
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce that Nur Ain Salleh, our first female Scholar of the Sailors Football Academy, has been awarded the Unleash The Roar! (UTR!) Overseas Football Scholarship, and will be leaving for Spain to further her football education.
Ain, who turns 15 on 7 January, will spend the next four years training and playing for the youth team of Madrid CFF. The Spanish club’s senior team is currently 10th in Liga F, Spain’s top-tier women’s professional league. Liga F ranks among the top six national leagues under the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) coefficient, and thus offers a high calibre of competition and development for emerging players like Ain.
Notable players who have emerged from Madrid CFF’s youth system include members of the current Spanish national women’s team, Ona Batlle and Vicky López, both of whom now play for FC Barcelona.
Ain will also continue her academic pursuits in Spain, and will enrol in King’s College School Soto de Viñuelas, a British international school in Madrid. There, she will work towards completing the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which is equivalent to the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level).
The latest addition to the 2024 cohort of UTR! Overseas Football Scholarship recipients, Ain joins Nadila Nur Danisha and Charlotte Chong to complete a trio of national Under-19 starlets at Madrid CFF.
Ain’s football potential has been evident since the age of six, when she began her journey in organised football through the Football Association of Singapore’s (FAS) Girls’ Programme. She later joined the LFA Protectors in 2017, and in June 2020, became the first female scholar in the Lion City Sailors Football Academy Elite Development Programme (EDP) following the club’s revamp.
A right winger with superb technical ability and a steely determination, Ain has consistently impressed over the past few years, representing the Academy’s Elite boys’ teams in both local and international matches, where she showcased her potential against European counterparts of her age.
In June 2024, Ain was promoted to the Sailors Women’s Team, becoming one of the youngest players ever to feature in the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL). She played a significant role in helping the team secure a historic three-peat, scoring five goals despite only joining mid-season.
Ain was also a standout performer in Daniel Ong’s side during their inaugural Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League campaign, where she started both matches against India’s Odisha FC and Jordan’s Etihad Club.
The Sailors had initially planned to nominate Ain for an overseas stint in the latter stages of 2025. However, her exceptional performances and rapid development led the club and the UTR! Overseas Football Scholarship committee to accelerate her trajectory, as they recognised that playing abroad now would be most beneficial for her growth.
Sport Singapore’s Chief of Sport Development Group, Mr Marcus Tan, said, “We are delighted to be able to help Ain in her pursuit of becoming a professional player.
“At just 14, she has proven that she is a top prospect, having set the Women’s Premier League alight with some assured performances. We are confident she will benefit from her time in Spain, the current Women’s World Cup champions.”
Sailors Academy General Manager Tan Li Yu believes Ain is fully ready to take this big step toward her pursuit of a professional football career.
“We’ve been looking for opportunities to send Ain overseas and we felt this is the right time and the right move for her. While she has the talent, it is her attitude and hunger to learn that will take her far in achieving her goals,” he said.
“She has shown consistently over the years that she is one of the best in her age group, despite playing against boys. She is an exciting talent that we in Singapore football should cherish and properly nurture. We feel that Spain is the right environment for her to develop her game and we’re excited at what comes of this for her.”
Yeong Sheau Shyan, Head of the Sailors Women’s Programme, first spotted Ain’s talent when she was just six years old, and has since backed her to become a catalyst for the rise of women’s football in Singapore, with the potential to become the country’s first bona fide female football star.
“From when she was six years old playing with the FAS Cubs, to her stints with Arion FA and the LFA girls, anyone who has watched her could see that she’s different. She’s hugely talented and easily outplays everyone, including boys of her age,” said the former national player.
“The worry I had was whether we had the kind of environment in Singapore for a girl of her talent to develop into her fullest potential, but the rise of the LCS Elite Programme filled that gap. Over the years, I’ve seen her take her talent up quite a few notches to a level that was unimaginable before.
“I’m proud of how far she’s come and I hope she’ll keep working hard over in Spain and eventually become the player who can change Singapore women’s football.”
As she prepares to embark on a journey of over 10,000 kilometres to chase her dreams, Ain is determined to follow in the footsteps of current Brisbane Roar star Danelle Tan and become one of the few Singaporean female footballers to play professionally abroad — while paving the way as a trailblazer for future generations.
“It has always been a goal of mine to play professionally overseas, and I want to play in the Liga F one day. It won’t be easy – I will need to adapt to the physicality and the technicality of the game there, but I want to get out of my comfort zone and make my family proud,“ said Ain, who already had a taste of Spain during two-week training stints with Atletico Madrid’s Under-14 girls’ team in December 2022 and December 2023.
“I’m really grateful to everyone who made this move possible, including my coaches at the Sailors Academy, and I’m going to work my hardest to show what I’m capable of over there.”
Ain’s move comes on the heels of another milestone for the Sailors Academy: in July 2024, Nur Muhammad Asis became the first Singaporean in history to sign a professional football contract with a top-flight Portuguese club, securing a one-year loan to Portuguese Primeira Liga side C.F. Estrela da Amadora.
The Sailors Academy are one of only four academies in Southeast Asia to be conferred a Two-Star Academy status by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under its AFC Elite Youth Scheme.
Lion City Sailors midfielder Adam Swandi is retiring from professional football at the age of 28 due to a medical condition affecting his heart.
Adam was substituted at half-time during the Sailors’ Singapore Premier League (SPL) clash with Tanjong Pagar United in September 2024 after feeling unwell. His condition stabilised following immediate medical attention, but subsequent tests revealed an underlying heart condition in the form of cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It can lead to serious heart conditions and, in more severe cases, symptoms of heart failure.
The condition puts Adam at an extremely high risk of a potentially fatal cardiac event if he continues playing competitive football. As a result, the ex-Singapore international has regretfully decided to end his decade-long professional football career.
It brings the curtain down on the career of one of Singapore’s most precocious footballing talents in recent years. Adam first shot to fame in the 2011 Lion City Cup, where he captained the Singapore Under-15s to victories over Newcastle United and Juventus, leading the team to a third-place finish.
He continued to dazzle with his skill and flair in the following edition, which saw him go up against top teams like Ajax Amsterdam and FC Porto. In 2013, his performances earned him a two-year contract with French Ligue 2 side FC Metz, where he represented their Under-19 team.
Adam returned to Singapore in 2015 and played for the Young Lions for two seasons before making history as the first Singaporean to sign for Albirex Niigata (S). During his time with Albirex – which was sandwiched between two separate spells with Home United – he won the league title and was named the league’s Young Player of the Year in 2018.
Adam was part of the inaugural batch of players when the Lion City Sailors were formed in 2020. He is one of only three current Sailors, alongside Hafiz Nor and Haiqal Pashia, to have been with the privatised club since its inception.
Adam made 93 appearances for the Sailors, securing the 2021 SPL title, the 2023 Singapore Cup, and two Community Shield trophies. Following his premature retirement, the Sailors have pledged their support to help him transition smoothly into life after football, as he explores opportunities in technical and non-technical areas within the club.
“Adam has been a valuable member of the club since 2020. His warm personality and consistently upbeat spirit have had a positive impact on everyone here. Given his immense talent, we’re all deeply saddened that he has to end his career in this way,” said Sailors chairman Forrest Li.
“As a club, we’re committed to giving him all the love and support he needs as he transitions into his post-football journey, and we hope he will continue contributing to the club in other capacities.”
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković added, “While we’re saddened to see Adam step away from the game as a player, his health and family must always come first. Adam is not just a footballer; he’s also a father and a husband.
“I’d like to thank him for being an ever-reliable player and the kind of character everyone loves having in the dressing room. We look forward to supporting him as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey.”
Having fulfilled his childhood dream of playing professional football and representing the Singapore national team, Adam steps away from the game with no regrets, and is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
“I’ve had big ambitions and dreams in football, and I think I’ve achieved most of them. I’m very thankful for the career I’ve had and deeply grateful to the Sailors for supporting me every step of the way,” said Adam, who has earned 22 caps for the Lions.
“Having seen what happened to players like Christian Eriksen, it’s surreal to think that something like this could happen to me. I’m acutely aware of how lucky I am to still be alive. The management has given me their fullest support, and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the club in areas beyond the field.”
The Lion City Sailors will take on Thai League 1 side Muangthong United in the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two’s Round of 16.
This was confirmed earlier this afternoon (12 December) following the tournament’s Knockout Stage draw which took place in the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Having defeated Port FC twice en route to a historical qualification for the ACL Two’s last 16, the Sailors will take on another Thai opponent in the form of Muangthong.
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The Twin Qilins were on the brink of elimination after collecting only two points from three group matches, but remarkably recovered to win their next three to finish second behind South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Group H.
Having finished top of a group featuring Thailand’s Port FC, China’s Zhejiang Professional, and Indonesia’s Persib Bandung, the Sailors have developed a strong sense of belief within their ranks.
“I think my boys showed incredible mental and physical strength to secure a fantastic ending to our ACL Two group stage,” said the Serb.
“Considering the quality of the teams we played against, finishing at the top of the group is a truly special achievement. I hope everyone is proud of this team — not just Sailors fans, but all of Singapore. We’ve put Singapore on the Asian football map. Now, we’ll recharge, prepare for the next challenges, and stay motivated to compete against the best.”
The Sailors will play the first leg in at the Thunder Dome Stadium in Thailand on 13 February 2025, before returning home to host the second leg at the Jalan Besar Stadium exactly a week later on 20 February.
Should the Sailors progress, they will face either Japan’s Sanfreece Hiroshima or Vietnam’s Nam Định FC in the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2025.
A total of seven Lion City Sailors players have been named in Tsutomu Ogura’s 26-man Singapore National Team squad for the upcoming ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup 2024.
Lions and Sailors captain Hariss Harun is set to feature in the biennial regional competition for the seventh time, having previously played in the 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 editions.
At the other end of the spectrum, Lionel Tan and Abdul Rasaq Akeem will be aiming to make their tournament debuts.
The Sailors’ contingent also includes Christopher van Huizen, Hami Syahin, Shawal Anuar, and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, forming a strong group ready to represent Singapore with pride in their quest for Southeast Asian glory.
Song Uiyoung, however, misses out on the tournament due to family commitments.
The Lions will kick off their 2024 ME Cup campaign against Cambodia next Wednesday, 11 December, at the National Stadium. They will then travel to Vietnam to face Timor-Leste three days later, before hosting Thailand on Tuesday, 17 December.
The group stage concludes with a thrilling Causeway Derby away against Malaysia on Friday, 20 December.
All photos courtesy of Football Association of Singapore
The Lion City Sailors made history by becoming the first Singaporean team to qualify for the last 16 of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, following a thrilling and hardfought 5-2 victory over Thailand’s Port FC on Thursday (5 December) night at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Song Uiyoung stole the show with a spectacular hat-trick, while attackers Shawal Anuar and Lennart Thy also found the net as the Sailors topped ACL Two Group F with 10 points, leapfrogging Port in the process based on a superior head-to-head record.
This also marks the first time in over six years that a Singaporean club has reached the knockout stage of an AFC club competition, with the last being Home United — the previous iteration of the Sailors — when they emerged ASEAN Zonal champions in 2018.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group of players for making history — and not just that, but also for finishing top of the table with the most goals (15) scored. I think Singaporean football fans should recognise this achievement and give these guys the respect they deserve,” remarked a beaming Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković after the game.
Knowing that a victory would secure their spot in the knockout rounds, the Sailors — who made one change to the starting lineup with Bart Ramselaar replacing Lennart Thy — flew out of the blocks and made a dream start by opening the scoring after just 42 seconds.
Lionel Tan’s long throw-in caused chaos in the Port penalty box, allowing Song to pounce and stab the ball home to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The Thai side had a good opportunity to equalise in the 17th minute, when Felipe Amorim played in Bordin Phala, but his shot failed to hit the target.
That was as good as it got for the visitors in the first half, as the Sailors dictated the tempo of the game and confidently controlled possession.
Their dominance eventually paid off in the 36th minute when Maxime Lestienne delivered a perfectly floated ball from the left, finding Song’s late run into the box. The Incheon native made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the net with the instep of his foot.
Port Head Coach Rangsan Viwachatchok brought on young Thai forward Teerasak Poeiphimai at half-time in a bid to change his side’s fortunes, and it paid dividends almost immediately.
In just three minutes, Teerasak turned the game around with two crucial assists, setting up Felipe Amorim in the 50th minute and Iraqi international Frans Putros in the 52nd to level the score for Port.
Ranko admitted it was difficult to believe that his side had let a two-goal advantage slip for the third consecutive game. In their previous two matches, the Sailors had also held two-goal leads but went on to lose 3-2 to Persib Bandung and 4-2 to Zhejiang Professional.
“When Port scored their second goal, I thought to myself, I’m not really a religious person, but I was looking up and wondering, did we do something to deserve this?” Ranko revealed.
“We played a perfect match until then. They had two shots on goal and scored both times. We played very offensively, created a lot of chances, and scored two amazing goals.
“So when Port scored, I couldn’t help but think about the last match we lost (against Zhejiang). But this time, finally, karma seemed to be a little bit on our side.”
Putros’ equalising goal also brought an unsettling sense of déjà vu around the stadium, as the 2,357-strong partisan crowd wondered — could this really become the Sailors’ third consecutive defeat after squandering a two-goal lead?
That question was answered emphatically 15 minutes later by none other than Song, who executed a stunning bicycle kick from Maxime’s cross, sending the ball into the top corner to give his team the lead again.
It was not only a goal of the highest quality but also a symbolic moment, signalling that the Sailors had learned from their past two games how to respond to setbacks.
Instead of panicking or letting their heads drop, Ranko’s charges pressed on relentlessly and were duly rewarded for their bravery and determination.
Reflecting on his wonder goal — his 23rd in AFC club competitions in just 34 appearances — Song said, “Maxime gave me the perfect invitation to score that hat-trick goal, and it felt like a miracle. I’ve never scored a goal like that before. I didn’t want to miss this big opportunity to make history for the club and the country.”
Four minutes later, in the 71st minute, full-back Sergio Carmona Pérez won the ball in midfield and delivered a pinpoint through pass to Shawal, who calmly rounded Chanin Sae-Ear in the Port goal and slotted the ball into an empty net to restore the Sailors’ two-goal advantage.
From there, it was a matter of the Sailors seeing out the game professionally — a task they managed with relative ease, as Port failed to seriously test Izwan Mahbud.
There was even time for substitute Lennart to add the icing on the cake in the ninth minute of added time with a clinical finish from a tight angle to seal the Sailors’ fifth goal of the night.
While Song deservedly received the plaudits for his match-winning performance, Ranko credited the substitutes for their equally crucial contributions to the victory.
“We made excellent changes tonight,” Ranko said. “We brought on Carmona, who set up the goal for Shawal. We were also debating whether to keep Shawal on the pitch, and then he scored. Later, we introduced Lennart at just the right moment, and he went on to score as well.
“When you win, every decision looks good; when you lose, every decision looks bad. But tonight, everyone who participated gave their best. Considering the calibre of the teams we’ve played against, we should be very happy with what we’ve achieved.”
The result means that Port, who had already secured their place in the last 16, will finish as group runners-up, while Zhejiang narrowly missed out despite their thrilling 4-3 victory over Persib in the other Group F match of the night.
The Round-of-16 is set to take place in February 2025, and will be played over two legs on a home-and-away basis.
The Sailors could face one of three potential opponents: Australia’s Sydney FC, Vietnam’s Nam Định FC, or Thailand’s Muangthong United. The knockout stage draw will be conducted on Thursday, 12 December.
Until then, however, Ranko shared that he plans to take some time to savour the Sailors’ historic achievement.
“I need a few days to really process an accomplishment of this magnitude. First, we’ll see who we’re going to draw, and when the time comes to play these matches, we’ll obviously give it our all,” remarked Ranko.
“Right now, it’s time for everyone to celebrate. After that, we have the (ASEAN Club Championship) Shopee Cup and league matches to focus on. So, there are many exciting games ahead.”
Group F of the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two is set for an exciting finale, as second-placed Lion City Sailors host already-qualified Port FC in a crucial clash at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday night (5 December).
An interesting Head Coach U-turn at Port
Much has happened at Port since their last meeting with the Sailors in Pathum Thani, Thailand, where the Sailors earned a commendable 3-1 victory on 30 October.
One major change was the departure of Willem Mota, the 2023/24 Thai League 1’s second-highest scorer, who parted ways with the club last week.
The biggest development, however, was when Head Coach Rangsan Viwachatchok abruptly resigned following a 2-0 defeat to Bangkok United on 2 November. Remarkably, just 10 days later, Rangsan reversed his decision and returned to take the helm at the club.
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Since Rangsan’s return, results have been mixed. They suffered a 2-1 loss to BG Pathum United in the Thai FA Cup Round of 64, recorded league and ACL Two draws against Uthai Thani (1-1) and Persib Bandung (2-2), and finally returned to winning ways on 1 December with a 2-1 victory over Nongbua Pitchaya, thanks to Teerasak Poeiphimai’s 89th-minute goal.
The draw against Persib, however, secured Port’s spot in the ACL Two last 16, and they now need just a draw to finish as Group F winners.
However, Rangsan insists that his side will aim for all three points when they face the Sailors.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the 45-year-old said: “We want to win this game because we lost to the Sailors at our home in the last match, so this is our chance to make amends and get the three points to finish top of the group.
“The Sailors have many good players, both locals and foreigners, so it won’t be easy if we try to play for a draw. We’ve analysed the video of the game we lost to the Sailors to study their shape, and I don’t think we need to change much. We just need to prepare ourselves, and I want to see my players perform well tomorrow.”
Return of key personnel for the visitors
Port will be without first-choice goalkeeper Worawut Srisupha, who is sidelined with a torn Achilles. However, they will be able to call on the services of three key players who missed the previous encounter with the Sailors.
Southeast Asian stars Irfan Fandi and Asnawi Mangkualam look set to feature, having started together in defence in Port’s last two matches across all competitions.
Rangsan believes that Singapore international Irfan, in particular, will be eager to impress as he returns to the Lion City.
“Over the last few months, he (Irfan) was injured and not fit to play,” he said. “But now, he’s returning to full fitness, and you can see that in every game — he’s back in the first team and performing very well. I’m confident he’ll be at his best tomorrow and will play well.”
Meanwhile, club captain Bordin Phala has returned to action, starting the last three games after missing eight matches due to a torn muscle fibre.
The Sailors will also need to keep a close eye on in-form striker Lonsana Doumbouya. The former Shanghai Shenhua forward has scored eight goals this season, six of which have come in his last five outings — including both goals in the 2-2 draw against Persib.
With their strengthened squad and firepower up front, Port are determined to avenge the defeat inflicted by the Sailors in their last meeting.
Playing on the unfamiliar artificial pitch at Jalan Besar Stadium could pose a challenge to the Thai team’s quest for three points, but Port midfielder Worachit Kanitsribumphen remains confident in his side’s ability to adapt.
“We need to adjust to the artificial pitch because in Thailand, we don’t train on such surfaces. But if we are able to adapt to the conditions tomorrow, we shouldn’t have any problems at all,” said the 27-year-old, who has earned 21 caps for the Thai national team.
Sailors remain in control of destiny
Meanwhile, the Sailors still have their fate in their own hands despite back-to-back defeats to Persib and Zhejiang Professional in November — both of which came after holding two-goal leads.
Strong performances in the first three matches have ensured that the Singaporean side remains in second place with seven points, one ahead of third-placed Zhejiang, and two clear of Persib.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed the mental strength and resilience of his players and believes they can deliver on Thursday night.
“The past two games were definitely disappointing, but if someone told me at the start of this campaign that we’d be fighting for the knockout stages — and even the top spot in the group — in the final game, I would have been very happy,” Ranko said.
“As much as those games were disappointing, they also gave us confidence that we can compete against these teams. That’s something I’m very proud of, and I’m proud of my players for bringing that fighting spirit into every game against tough opponents.
“The mentality of the team is great. We’re motivated, we’re ready and we’re ready to put on a good show.”
While the Sailors’ preparations for the game have been hampered by heavy rainfall in Singapore, Ranko has backed his team to deliver in this ‘must-win’ match.
“It’s the first time we’ve experienced so much rain since I’ve been here, but as frustrating as it’s been, it’s no excuse,” declared the Serb.
“This is a must-win game, so we have to improvise. When it rains here, it pours, and the pitch wasn’t ready for training.
“We’ll adapt and do alternative things, but what gives me confidence is that my team is both tactically and physically prepared. Missing one or two training sessions won’t make much of a difference.”
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to Group F, with the Sailors among three teams vying for progression to the next round.
While certain permutations could allow the Sailors to qualify with a draw or even a loss, they are not entertaining such scenarios. Their focus is clear: defeat Port FC and claim the top spot in Group F.
As this marks their final game of 2024, Hami Syahin is hopeful of a strong home crowd to spur them on and help create history.
“We need every supporter for our game tomorrow. It’s a big game for us, and we need their support to push us toward securing all three points,” said Hami, who has started in all seven of the Sailors’ regional matches across the ACL Two and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup this season.
“As a team, we’re looking forward to this game. We want to create history — for ourselves, for the club, and for Singapore football. The mindset is clear — we’ll go out there and give everything to get the three points.”
The Lion City Sailors will need to wait until their final group game in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
This comes after a 4-2 defeat to Zhejiang Professional in front of 12,836 spectators at the Yellow Dragon Sports Center on Thursday (28 Nov) night, where the Chinese side staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to claim all three points.
Unfortunately, it was a repeat of the script from the Sailors’ previous game three weeks ago, where they also let a two-goal lead slip, as they fell to a 3-2 defeat against Persib Bandung at home.
But all is not lost for the Sailors. Thanks to their strong performances in the first three group games — two wins and a draw — they remain in control of their destiny as they prepare to host Port FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in their final ACL Two group match next Thursday (5 December) night.
And that was exactly what Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković was keen to emphasise in the post-match press conference.
“The positive is that we are still in the tournament. We have one more game to go, and everything is still up for grabs, so we’re going to give it our all,” declared the Serb.
The Sailors started the game strongly and created their first good opportunity in the 14th minute when Toni Datković’s pass found Shawal Anuar after Zhejiang centre-back Yang Wang missed his interception, but goalkeeper Zhao Bo denied the Singapore international’s effort with a smart save with his legs.
At the other end of the pitch, the Sailors’ defence remained disciplined, with Zhejiang’s best opportunity coming on the half-hour mark through Gao Di’s rasping shot that clipped the top of the crossbar.
Just as it seemed the teams would head into the break level, Maxime Lestienne delivered a superb free-kick that Toni stretched to reach, prodding the ball past Zhao Bo to give the Sailors a 1-0 lead.
Reflecting on the Sailors’ first-half display, Ranko said, “I think we controlled the match in the first half. Of course, the opponents had much more ball possession, but we expected that. They are a very good team with a lot of quality players.”
In a bid to change things around, Zhejiang made a halftime substitution, bringing on Franko Andrijašević for Gao Di. It was a move that seemed to spark the home side into life, as they increased the tempo and pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
However, it was the Sailors who struck the next blow, doubling their lead in the 62nd minute when Song Uiyoung surged forward from midfield and unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top corner.
The Singapore international had also scored from a similar range in the Sailors’ previous away match against Port in late October.
But just three minutes later, Zhejiang pulled a goal back with Andrijašević converting from the spot after Toni was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
The equaliser came shortly after, in the 69th minute, when Zhejiang substitute Sun Zheng’ao bundled the ball over the line following a scramble in the Sailors’ box.
It was a goal that left Ranko disappointed. “After a 2-0 lead, that’s when you need composure and control of the ball,” he explained. “I think we lost possession in our defensive third far too often and couldn’t win any second balls. Fatigue also seemed to play a role.”
At this point, the Sailors found themselves under relentless pressure, with Izwan Mahbud’s outstanding point-blank save in the 82nd minute keeping the scores level.
However, just five minutes later, Izwan was left helpless when substitute Wang Yudong cut the ball back to the energetic Jean Evrard Kouassi, whose first-time strike flew into the net, sending the home fans into raptures.
The 18-year-old Wang then sealed the win for the Green Giants in the 94th minute, connecting with a Li Tixiang through ball to secure the Chinese side’s second victory of the competition.
Having seen his side squander a two-goal lead for the second consecutive match, Ranko acknowledged that it is an issue he and his staff need to address.
“I have a feeling of déjà vu. Some things have been repeating from the last two matches,” he admitted. “We also had a 2-0 lead in our previous game, but we couldn’t hold onto it. That’s something we definitely need to work on.”
With three of Zhejiang’s substitutes finding the net, Ranko highlighted the difference in squad depth between the two teams as a key factor in the game.
“Let’s be honest and look at Zhejiang’s squad, including the players they have on the bench,” said Ranko. “With all due respect, I have four players on my bench who are just 16 or 17 years old. That’s a significant difference.
“The positive thing is that we’ve shown we can compete against this level of opponent.”
A fiercely contested ACL Two Group F is now set for a dramatic conclusion after David da Silva’s 95th-minute header secured a 2-2 draw for Persib away against Port in the night’s late kickoff.
The Thai side, who have already qualified for the knockout rounds, will travel to Singapore to face the Sailors in the final group game, while Persib will host Zhejiang in the corresponding fixture.
With just two points separating Persib in fourth from the Sailors in second, Ranko remains confident that his team’s fate is firmly in their hands.
He said, “There’s no need for complicated calculations — we have to win that game, and it’s at our home ground. Maybe that gives us a little advantage, and that’s great.”
